Shankh Airlines, the newest entrant into India’s domestic aviation market, is owned and promoted by entrepreneur Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, who serves as the chairman of the airline. The carrier is backed entirely by its parent business group, with no external investors involved at this stage.
According to Vishwakarma, Shankh Airlines has secured full financial support from the parent company, and there are currently no funding constraints. The airline’s aircraft have been acquired through leasing and financing arrangements with external aviation leasing firms, a common practice in the aviation industry to manage capital costs efficiently.
Who is Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma?
Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma is a first-generation entrepreneur from a middle-class background in Uttar Pradesh. He began his career in small-scale work and transport-related activities before entering the cement trading business in 2014. Over time, he expanded into sectors such as TMT steel, mining and logistics.
Today, his business operations include a transport fleet of more than 400 trucks, which forms a significant part of the group’s logistics and infrastructure portfolio. Vishwakarma has stated that the airline venture is a natural extension of his long-term involvement in transport and mobility-related businesses.
Is Shankh Airlines government-owned or private?
Shankh Airlines is a privately owned airline and is not backed by the Government of India or any public-sector entity. It operates as an independent commercial carrier and will compete with existing private airlines in the domestic market.
Why the name ‘Shankh’?
The airline derives its name from Vishwakarma’s existing trading firm, “Shankh,” which he retained for brand continuity. The name also carries cultural significance, symbolising auspicious beginnings in Indian tradition.
Ownership structure and future plans
At present, Shankh Airlines remains fully promoter-owned. Vishwakarma has indicated that the airline is focused on stabilising operations and expanding its fleet before exploring partnerships or international expansion, which is targeted for 2028–2029.
As Shankh Airlines prepares to begin operations in January 2025, its ownership structure reflects a promoter-driven model, with emphasis on gradual growth, operational stability and domestic connectivity.
